On most days, I get the usual mix of household bills, catalogs and junk in the mail. But today was different, a Sampler box arrived! I skipped all the way to my desk with glee and couldn't wait to see the goodies inside.
What is the Sampler? It's a cool way for indie designers, artisans, record labels, and makers of crafty things to get samples of their goods into the hands of the public. If you love handmade goods, like I do, then you'll want to a Sampler pronto! Don't be jealous, you can get one too.
Let's take a peek inside this month's Sampler ...
Art School Dropout contributed an adorable pouch with a bird perched sweetly on a tree limb. It reminds me of the fall season to come. It's also large enough to use as a makeup bag or for toting around my keys, cash, and cellphone. Tres chic!
Inside the Sampler box, I spied another small pouch with a floral theme and stuffed inside was a funky Asian-inspired necklace by Eclectic Elements. It's a Mah Jongg tile pendant. Pretty neat! I love anything multi-colored because it makes accessorizing easy, especially since I get dressed in the dark and drive an hour one-way to start work by 6 a.m. This necklace is great for the world traveler in your life.
Hang on, I'm still digging in the Sampler box as I type. It's chock full of awesome handmade designs ...
I'm in love with this gorgeous round pendant necklace by Wabisabi Brooklyn. The piece has a nice weight to it and the pendant's coloring is a soothing slate blue and gray, but wait....flip it over and there's a copper-like finish that reminds me of a brand new penny. Too cute! You'll definitely want this company's jewelry hanging around your neck.
This next item really intrigued me...It was wrapped in brown craft paper and adorned with only a button on the front that read "I have a zombie escape plan." Being the curious type, I had to open this one right away. Under the plain packaging, I found a cleverly put together notebook made from what appears to be a recycled medical textbook, maps and other cute randomness. Plus, there's plenty of space to jot down my very own zombie escape plan, which is very likely to happen during my crafting adventures in New York. It's made by Re-conceived.
If you're in need of a good laugh, then check out the coloring books by Retro Recess. I couldn't stop giggling at the "My Perfect Man" coloring book, especially since it came with a box of crayons depicting a hunky man holding a screwdriver. The book offers 32 easy tear-out pages of "gorgeous guys" ready for your coloring pleasure. I travel a lot and plan to take this activity book along to entertain myself on those long, boring flights. This is the perfect gift for your soon-to-be wed girlfriends.
The Sampler is truly a treasure trove! Want one of your own? Visit www.homeofthesampler.com to learn how to become a lucky recipient of a Sampler box. Want to see your handmade goods in the Sampler? Sampler HQ told me they love new contributors. All contributors to the Sampler receive a Sampler in return. It's a win-win situation! Click here to learn about contributing to the Sampler.
